Digital Nomad Visas are all over the news in 2023. With the normalization of remote work, countries are opening their borders and racing to attract the new wave of location-independent workers.
They usually grant digital nomad visas to entrepreneurs, tech workers, and other highly skilled professionals, and with nomads spending an average of 35% of their income locally, that’s a tremendous boost to the local economy.
So, which countries are offering digital nomad visa programs, what are the eligibility requirements, and are they worth it?
Here are all countries with Digital Nomad Visas:
Antigua & Barbuda Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: Earning at least $50,000 per year
Maximum duration: 24 months
Additional requirements: Health insurance covering the entire stay
How to apply: Begin your application online at the official Nomad Digital Residence site.
Antigua & Barbuda is an archipelago of two main islands and several other smaller islands in the Caribbean Sea. Known for its beautiful coastline and laid-back atmosphere, it’s home to breathtaking beaches, such as Dickenson Bay Beach and Half Moon Bay Beach.
The economy depends mainly on tourism, with most arriving via cruise ship and staying only for a day or two.
The cost of living in Antigua & Barbuda is low compared to many other Caribbean destinations; however, it is still more expensive than most Western destinations. The country’s cost of living is 26.25% higher than in the United States.
Internet access isn’t the fastest, with an average of 10Mbps. This could be a turnoff for some nomads, but you’re trading a slower speed for a paradise location.
As nomadism is new to the islands, don’t expect a lot of infrastructure. Coworking spaces and fast Wi-Fi zones may pop up as demand increases, but it’s still very early, so expect to do most of your work from your hotel.
Argentina Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: Unclear
Maximum duration: 6 months
Additional requirements: Unclear, although it’s likely you’d be required to provide evidence of health insurance, an onward flight ticket, a clean criminal record, and a rental contract.
How to apply: Not yet announced
Argentina is a stunning country, with every climate possible: mountains, deserts, beaches, beautiful cities, and vast lakes. Buenos Aires, the capital, is a city that never sleeps. Entertainment at all hours of the day, an established cafe culture, and hundreds of coworking spaces scattered across the city. It also has beautiful architecture, amazing food, and a thriving creative community.
Argentina has low living costs relative to the Western world, although the economy is quite volatile. The capital is the most expensive, however, you can live comfortably for $1000 a month. In smaller cities or towns, the price is much lower.
Most nomads who visit Argentina use the standard tourist visa. It allows you 90 days, which you renew by popping across the border to Uruguay or Paraguay for a few days before returning for another 3 months.
The new digital nomad visa claims to offer lots of extra perks, such as:
- Discounts on accommodation
- Cheaper flights with the national airline, Aerolíneas Argentinas
- Reduced transport costs
- A SIM card for your phone
While they all sound good, the hoops you have to jump through to get this new visa likely won’t convince many to switch from the standard tourist visa.
Bahamas Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: $1,025 application cost, and $500 for each dependant. No minimum income requirement.
Maximum duration: 12 months (36 upon individual review)
Additional requirements: Health insurance covering the entire stay, a job letter (from current employer), or proof of self-employment.
How to apply: Begin your application online at the official Bahamas BEATS visa site.
The Bahamas is an island country in the Caribbean Sea. It’s known for its picture-postcard beaches, coral reefs, and shipwrecks. The capital city is Nassau and the largest city is Freeport.
It’s a tropical destination with warm weather throughout the year and temperatures that rarely go below 20 degrees Celsius. The tropical climate means sunshine for most of the year, making it a dream destination for tourists, and now nomads.
Slow, sometimes unreliable internet speeds and a high cost of living are certainly negative factors, but if you’re earning over $50k it could be worth taking the plunge for the unique experience.
The primary source of income for the Bahamas is still tourism, so they’re yet to build out the nomadic infrastructure. Despite that, there are some coworking spaces and it’s possible to work in cafes or restaurants.
Barbados Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: $2,000 application cost, and $500 for each dependant.
Maximum duration: 12 months
Additional requirements: Health insurance covering the entire stay, a job letter (from current employer), or proof of self-employment.
How to apply: Begin your application online at the official Barbados Welcome Stamp-a site.
Barbados is an idyllic destination for those looking to escape the hustle of big-city living. The island offers exciting activities for those who want to live a balanced lifestyle. If you dream of spending your days lounging on the beach, surfing, or hiking through heaven, then Barbados could be the perfect spot for you to live.
Barbados is a small island, but it has an established ex-pat community. The people are friendly, the weather is perfect, and Barbados has a thriving economy. This means it could be an easier transition for nomads flying in from western countries, compared to arriving on some of the other Caribbean islands which lack this infrastructure.
The Barbados digital nomad visa cost may seem a little high, but it’s a one-off payment which seems reasonable for the opportunity to live and work on this special little island.
Bermuda Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: A one-time, non-refundable fee of $263
Maximum duration: 12 months (24 upon individual review)
Additional requirements: Health insurance covering the entire stay, proof of employment or self-employment, clean criminal record.
How to apply: Begin your application online at the official Bermuda visa website.
Bermuda is a solid destination for digital nomads because of its low cost of living, glorious weather, and easy access to major cities in the US, Europe, and the Caribbean. It has a stable economy supported not only by tourism, but also by international business and financial services.
The island has an abundance of coworking spaces where digital nomads can work and meet other like-minded individuals. It has everything from coffee shops to hotels with private rooms to conference centers.
The Bermudan government has invested heavily, creating excellent facilities and a commendable communication network, meaning you should be able to stay connected with little downtime.
The entry requirements are very reasonable, with the Financial Requirements stating “you must have enough substantial means to support yourself and your dependents”.
The Cayman Islands Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: USD $100,000 for an individual, $150,000 per year for couples, or $180,000 per year for an adult or couple with one or more children. There’s also an application fee of USD $1,469 and $500 per dependant.
Maximum duration: 24 months
Additional requirements: Health insurance covering the entire stay, proof of employment, proof of income, proof of legal existence of employer or company, bank statements for the last 6 months, and a police check covering the previous 6 months.
How to apply: Begin your application online through the official Global Citizen Concierge program site.
With endless sandy beaches and year-long warm weather, it’s easy to see why the Cayman Islands is a playground for the rich and famous. Local financial institutions are also a much sought-after service for the ultra-wealthy.
With such clientele, you won’t have to worry about patchy internet or security issues. The islands are safe, with reliable facilities and excellent working conditions boasting internet speeds as high as 300Mbps.
These facilities don’t come cheap, though. The minimum annual salary of $100,000 will probably rule out most bloggers and backpackers. This is a deliberate decision to maintain the exclusivity and allure of the islands.
Colombia Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: $700 per month (the equivalent of at least three times the Colombian minimum wage)
Maximum duration: 24 months
Additional requirements: Health insurance covering the entire stay, proof of employment or self-employment, bank statements proving regular monthly income.
How to apply: Begin your application online through the official SITAC website.
Colombia is fast becoming a favorite for digital nomads around the world because of its low cost of living, beautiful landscapes, friendly locals, and abundance of social activities.
Accommodation is cheap, costing around $300 per month for an apartment. Coworking spaces are plentiful, with vibrant meetups and networking spaces all over the country.
If you want to work alone, the cafe culture in Colombia is legendary. Pull out your laptop, grab a piping hot cup of arabica and watch the world go by.
Colombia has already established itself as a go-to destination for remote workers and lifestyle independent travelers, so the low minimum income requirement for their digital nomad visa will make this a great option.
Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: $3,000 per month or $4,000 for a family
Maximum duration: 24 months
Additional requirements: Health insurance covering the entire stay
How to apply: Begin your application online through the official Costa Rica Migration site.
Known for its lush landscapes, friendly locals, and tropical climate, Costa Rica has long established itself as a prime destination for digital nomads and remote workers.
Solid internet speeds in the major cities mean working in a coworking space, hotel or cafe are all viable options. The cost of living is higher than the other central American countries, but still lower than the US and major European cities.
You can survive on around $2,000, including exploring the vibrant nightlife and sampling the delicious local food. The real magic of Costa Rica, however, comes from the abundance of nature and wildlife.
Whether it’s surfing and watersports at the multitude of beaches or taking a canopy tour in the rainforest, Costa Rica’s a dream location for those who love the outdoors.
Croatia Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: $2,400 per month
Maximum duration: 12 months (available for review/renewal after a year, eventually leading to citizenship)
Additional requirements: Health insurance covering the entire stay, clean criminal record
How to apply: Begin your application online at the official Croatian Ministry of Interior website.
Croatia has an excellent mix of beautiful cities, stunning islands and beaches, and incredible national parks. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love the ancient castles, ruins, and settlements scattered around the country.
The Mediterranean climate makes for very enjoyable warmer months, although it can get bitter and snowy out of season.
The bigger cities like Zagreb and Dubrovnik have excellent facilities, with plenty of coworking spaces, coffee shops, and libraries to work in. The smaller coastal cities and islands don’t have the most reliable internet connections and can also suffer from occasional power cuts. Keep this in mind when choosing a place to settle down.
Curacao Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: Proof of solvency (no exact number stated, but the cost of living is quite high, between $2,500-4,000 per month, so use that as a benchmark), $294 application fee
Maximum duration: 12 months
Additional requirements: Health insurance covering the entire stay, clean criminal record, proof of onward flight, proof of employment
How to apply: Begin your application online at the official @Home in Curacao website.
A beautiful country in the Caribbean where you don’t have to walk far to see stunning beaches. The Caribbean Island has become a popular destination for digital nomads due to the high-speed internet, stunning surroundings, and coworking facilities.
The Caribbean climate, endless watersports, and vibrant nightlife all combine to make Curacao a fine location for remote working. If you’re earning a decent wage and want to play as hard as you work, the Caribbean islands should definitely be high on your list.
Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: $3,500 per month
Maximum duration: 36 months
Additional requirements: Health insurance covering the entire stay, clean criminal record, Proof of work, Proof of income, Chest x-ray and blood analysis to prove you don’t suffer from an infectious disease.
How to apply: Begin by completing the application form here.
Cyprus is an unsung hero on the nomadic trail. You only need a couple of days there to understand why the island is such a popular location. Excellent year-round weather, beautiful beaches, and delicious food are just some of the reasons digital nomads love Cyprus so much.
With 300 days of sunshine per year and temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius in the summer, it’s perfect for those fleeing the rain and cold in their home countries.
Beautiful beaches offer a variety of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Nature lovers are also welcome, with the opportunity to see whales and dolphins throughout the year.
Cyprus has a relatively low cost of living compared to other EU countries. Expect to spend between $1,500 and $2,400 per month, which is cheaper than most other European cities.
Internet speeds are good, and there are many coworking spaces catering to all budgets.
Czech Republic Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: Approximately $6,000 in savings
Maximum duration: 24 months
Additional requirements: You need a trade license, pay around USD $80 per month in local taxes, proof of accommodation for 1 year
How to apply: Contact your nearest Czech embassy to schedule a visa appointment.
If you’re a digital nomad and are considering the Czech Republic as a destination, here are four reasons to say yes:
The cost of living is reasonable. It’s certainly not as cheap as cities in South East Asia or South America, but the facilities and infrastructure are worth the extra dollars.
The average internet speed is around 60Mbs, which is more than enough for most remote workers. That can easily cover meetings, conference calls, uploading large file sizes, and almost anything else you can think of.
Most people speak English in the capital, Prague, which makes networking much easier, as well as other daily tasks such as arranging accommodation and finding your way around the city.
If you plan to work from a coworking space, take your pick. There are hundreds of them in the major cities, catering to all budgets and durations.
Dominica Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: Earning $50,000 per year
Maximum duration: 24 months
Additional requirements: Police check, USD $800 for the visa, $100 non-refundable application fee.
How to apply: Begin your application online at the official Work In Nature website.
Not to be confused with its close neighbor, The Dominican Republic. Dominica is part of the British Commonwealth, while The Dominican Republic, 1,000 km away, is not.
Dominica has been on the rise as a digital nomad destination in the last few years. The island has lush mountains and rainforests that serve as the perfect backdrop for a more exotic digital nomad life.
With affordable living costs coming in below $2,000 per month, Dominica is one of the more affordable destinations for nomads. It’s one of the cheapest in the Caribbean islands, but without sacrificing working conditions.
You won’t find many stuffy, boring office spaces. The coworking spaces on the island are much more integrated with local culture. With solid Wi-Fi connections all around, you can pull out your laptop in trendy beachside cafes, restaurants, or nature centers.
And speaking of nature, Dominica has some of the finest. Breathtaking landscapes offer plenty of endless outdoor activities, including hiking through rainforests, swimming in waterfalls, snorkeling, scuba diving, and the chance to explore one of the most biodiverse reefs in the world.
If you’re dreaming of living and working on a Caribbean island, Dominica could be an excellent option.
Dubai Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: Minimum monthly earnings of $5,000
Maximum duration: 24 months
Additional requirements: Proof of employment with at least a one-year contract, monthly salary statements, USD $287 application fee
How to apply: Begin your application at the official Work Remotely from Dubai site.
Dubai is a vast city that attracts nomads and influencers from all over the world. The incredible levels of investment into luxury properties, alongside tourism and attractions, make it a giant playground for the rich and famous.
With a modern infrastructure, excellent telecommunications, and countless coworking spaces, Dubai is certainly a land of opportunities. The cost of living is relatively low, compared to the UK or major European capitals, but still high compared to other countries on this list.
You can get by with around $3,000 per month, although you’d need much more if you want to experience all the joys of the city – snowboarding, adventure parks, epic nightlife, etc.
Life in Dubai can be intense, with the heat, daily commute, and cultural differences compared to Western Europe. That being said, if you’re there to work and make as much money as possible, Dubai has all the facilities to make that happen.
Estonia Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: Earning at least €3,500 per month for the last 6 months
Maximum duration: 12 months
Additional requirements: Visit your nearest Estonian Embassy/Consulate, Pay €80 per a short-stay visa or €100 per a long-stay visa
How to apply: Visit your nearest Estonia embassy or consulate to schedule a visa application meeting.
One of the first countries in the world to launch an official digital nomad visa, Estonia essentially got the ball rolling and started the trend.
You have the choice of an e-Residency program, allowing entrepreneurs to establish a company in Estonia and benefit from its digital infrastructure, or a standard digital nomad visa. Whichever you choose, you’ll be welcomed into an established and thriving nomad community focusing heavily on tech.
Monthly costs average $2,000, making it relatively inexpensive if you’re earning a good wage. Tallinn, the capital, is the biggest city with the most facilities (and by extension higher prices), but you can make big savings by staying in one of the smaller cities. They’re quieter with less tourism, yet most have fast internet speeds, excellent transport options, and a good quality of life.
Georgia Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: Earning at least $2,000 or $24,000 in savings
Maximum duration: 12 months
Additional requirements: Proof of employment
How to apply: Begin your application online via the Georgia immigration website.
Located in the Caucasus region, Georgia shares borders with Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, and has one of the oldest and most vibrant histories in the world, dating back to 2BC.
Georgia threw their hat into the nomadic visa ring back in 2020, and it’s a hidden gem that’s overlooked by many. With your average monthly costs coming to just $1,000, it’s a superb destination to work, explore, and save money.
Connectivity in Georgia is fast and reliable, making it easy to live, work, and travel within the country. Getting around is easy too, with modern roads and a developed transportation network, and believe us – you’ll want to visit the outdoors.
The mountainous landscapes offer dramatic views, with ancient ruins, beautiful churches, and historic monasteries to explore, alongside superb hikes through the national parks and protected areas, which cover about 20% of the territory.
Coworking spaces are popping up all over, catering to different styles and budgets, with trendy breakout spaces, networking zones, and social events available for all.
There’s also a healthy cafe culture for those who prefer to work among the people, with Georgia being likened to Berlin for the variety and depth of its blossoming cafe culture.
Note: This visa does not grant a temporary resident visa or residence permit. This visa was popular during COVID lockdowns because it gave nomads the ability to enter the country while the borders were still closed to the rest of the world.
Germany Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: Evidence to prove you can sustain yourself and your freelancing activities
Maximum duration: 12 months
Additional requirements: Are you sitting comfortably? Here we go – Your freelance profession must match one from an extensive list provided by the government, you must pay taxes to the German government, proof of a local address in Germany, proof you have clients interested in working with you, work with clients based in Germany, proof there is a regional need or economic interest for your profession as you need to show you are helping the local economy, pay €100 for the visa fee.
How to apply: Visit your nearest German Embassy or Consulate to arrange a visa application meeting.
As you can see from the requirements above, Germany probably has the most hoops to jump through to get their Freiberufler Visa. You effectively need to pitch them a project, convince them there’s a desire and need in a specific area or sector, and then prove you can fully sustain yourself and your work.
If you can do all that, ensuring you tick every single box without cutting corners, you’ll have the joy of exploring one of the coolest countries in Europe.
From the hipster neighborhoods of Berlin to the boisterous Bavarian spirit, each region has a distinct personality and character. For nomads, you’ll want to stick to the bigger cities as the internet isn’t amazing in Germany.
Coworking spaces are plentiful, although cafes and coffee shops are usually more exciting. There are also lots of free Wi-Fi hotspots in the bigger cities, but be sure to always use a VPN when using public Wi-Fi.
The cost of living varies between the cities, ranging from $2,000-$4,000 per month. It’s far from the cheapest, but it’s certainly an unforgettable experience.
Greece Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: €3,500 per month after tax
Maximum duration: 36 months
Additional requirements: €75 visa application fee, proof of employment, proof of accommodation
How to apply: Complete the online application form here.
Greece has so much going for it – stunning natural beauty, picture-perfect beaches, ancient history, incredible summer weather, and mouthwatering food. It sounds like the dream nomadic destination.
Unfortunately, the cost of living can be quite prohibitive. As the country relies on tourism, it means prices shoot up during the high season. The average monthly spend varies from $3,000 up to $6,000, depending on location. Unless you’re earning big money, that doesn’t leave a lot for saving.
Greek internet access is not as reliable as other western cities, and it’s also quite expensive. You can find free Wi-Fi in cafes, but speeds aren’t lightning fast and power cuts do occasionally happen.
Hungary Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: €2,000 per month
Maximum duration: 24 months
Additional requirements: proof of employment, proof of funds, proof of accommodation
How to apply: Complete your visa application form here.
Hungary is emerging as a top destination for digital nomads. Budapest is a lively city filled with history, culture, and great opportunities for digital nomads. The city offers affordable accommodation, food, and internet, as well as plenty of opportunities for networking. This has made Hungary an emerging hub for entrepreneurs.
Hungary has a lower cost of living than most European countries, allowing you to survive comfortably on less than $1,000 per month. That’s a bonus as it means either more money for savings or more for adventures. It’s your choice.
Hungarian is a tough language to learn for non-native speakers. However, locals are friendly and always willing to help you learn. Plus, English is widely spoken if you just can’t wrap your tongue around it.
Co-working spaces are plentiful in the big cities. These spaces offer a great place to network with other digital nomads and startup founders. The high-speed internet connection and state-of-the-art facilities in these spaces make working easy and enjoyable.
Iceland Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: $7,777 per month
Maximum duration: 6 months
Additional requirements: You come from a country outside the EU/EEA/EFTA, proof of employment, $100 visa fees
How to apply: To begin your application you must first make the payment for the visa through the Icelandic immigration website.
Given its breathtaking landscape and rich culture, Iceland is a dream destination. Its capital, Reykjavik, was recently voted both the safest city in the world and the most vegan-friendly.
Iceland also boasts three full months of daylight during the year (with another three of twilight), which makes for a truly unique experience.
The infrastructure is modern and well-developed. Despite its small size, Iceland has some of the best Internet speeds in the world. The average speed in Iceland was +50 Mbps, which is more than twice as fast as the global average. That means you’ll never have to worry about connection issues.
Iceland experiences all four seasons, but extreme changes in temperature are common. The summers are warm with occasional showers but temperatures can drop to -10°C in the winters.
Most people venture to Iceland for the unique natural phenomenon, such as the northern lights, ice caves, and thermal springs like the blue lagoon. They’re usually arranged via tours, which means prices are high.
High prices are definitely a thing in Iceland. Although you can survive on around $2,000, that quickly escalates if you like socializing, or want to explore the entire island.
Indonesia (Bali) Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: $2,000 in savings
Maximum duration: 180 days
Additional requirements: Proof of employment
How to apply: Visit your nearest Indonesian Embassy or Consulate to arrange a visa application meeting.
There’s talk of a 5-year visa but, as yet, there’s no confirmed information.
When you think ‘digital nomad’, you think of Bali. It’s a wildly popular destination and a mecca for influencers, digital creators, and health gurus who flock to the shores to live the insta-famous lifestyle, incredible beaches, surfing, and countless yoga retreats.
There are many digital nomad hubs and co-working spaces to meet like-minded nomads. Most offer networking events, social gatherings, and opportunities to share ideas and brainstorm. This alone can be worth its weight in gold, as partnerships and collaborations are vital to growth and development.
You can survive on around $1,000 per month, although double that if you’re a social butterfly who likes to work hard and play hard.
Italy Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: Not released yet
Maximum duration: Unknown
Additional requirements: Unknown
How to apply: Not yet announced
Italy announced there’d be a digital nomad visa coming soon, but we’re yet to see specifics.
It will probably require the same as most European nomad visas, such as a valid passport for the complete duration, a clean criminal record, proof of health insurance, proof of employment, and proof of funds.
The only detail the Italian government has announced is that the visa will be ‘aimed at highly skilled workers’. That could mean a master’s degree is required, although that’s just speculation.
Latvia Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: $2,857 per month
Maximum duration: 24 months
Additional requirements: Foreigners must be employed by a company registered in an OECD country, or be self-employed with their business registered in an OECD country.
How to apply: The website is still to be announced. Until then, visit your nearest Latvian Embassy or Consulate to arrange a visa application meeting.
Latvia has a vibrant startup ecosystem that has attracted a lot of foreign investors, similar to Estonia. It has a vibrant tech scene, with the Riga Tech Park being the largest tech hub in the Baltics. If you’re in that sector, this could be an amazing opportunity for both networking and career prospects.
The cost of living in Latvia is one of the lowest in Europe. In Riga, the capital, you can live comfortably on $1,000 per month. If you’re in a tech startup earning big money, that leaves a lot of money left for savings or investments.
You have hundreds of coworking spaces to choose from, alongside coffee shops and cafes. The country has a young population, which reflects in the energy you feel around the cities. There’s a lot of culture and history to explore, and great nightlife to enjoy.
All in all, Latvia’s a fine choice for beginners and those in the tech industry.
Malaysia Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: $24,000 per year
Maximum duration: 24 months
Additional requirements: Proof of employment, pay a $220 visa fee
How to apply: To begin your application, create an account on the official Malaysian visa site and follow the steps for the “DE Rantau Digital Nomad Visa” option.
Malaysia is a great option for digital nomads because it has glorious weather, a relatively low cost of living, and English-speaking locals making communication much easier.
With a solid public transport system, cheap housing, and low food costs, you can survive on less than $2,000 per month. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is the most expensive city, but it’s still survivable.
When you’re not working, you have the choice of mountains, beaches, or adventure sports to keep you occupied. It’s also a superb location for which to visit the rest of Asia, with Thailand and Singapore just short trips away.
Hotels, cafes, and coworking spaces are all valid options for working when out and about. Kuala Lumpur has an excellent network of fiber optic internet, meaning you can dive deep into the cafe culture and watch the world go by as you’re working.
Malta Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: $2,700 per month
Maximum duration: 12 months
Additional requirements: Pass a standard background check, proof of accommodation, a letter of intent clearly stating your motivations for moving to the country
How to apply: To begin your application, visit the Residency Malta site.
Malta is a beautiful country in Europe, with its capital, Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Malta also has a growing start-up scene, with many companies offering digital nomad jobs in Malta. In 2017, there were 700 start-ups in Malta, representing 1% of the world’s startups, most of which were in FinTech.
The cost of living in Malta is reasonable, costing around $2,000 to live comfortably. Combine that with sunny weather all year round and you’ve got a very pleasant place to lay your laptop. Water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, and diving are all great ways to relax after a hard day nomading.
Malta has a strong internet infrastructure and some very funky coworking spaces. Networking opportunities are plentiful and social events are regular occurrences, meaning collaborations and crossovers are always a possibility.
Mauritius Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: $1,500 per month
Maximum duration: 12 months
Additional requirements: Proof of accommodation, proof of funds, a return ticket
How to apply: Visit the Mauritius government website for a full list of required documents.
Google Mauritius and you’ll see paradise. It may then surprise you to see such a low entry requirement for this digital nomad visa. The process is one of the quickest on the list, with the online application taking just a few minutes and the results returned within 48hrs. Best of all, the application process is free!
A tropical island in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius offers all the perks of other sought-after digital nomad locations, just without the drawbacks of other places.
While some of the island resorts are expensive, Mauritius also offers affordable living opportunities. $2,000 per month average spend to live on an island most people only dream about doesn’t sound too unreasonable.
Internet speeds won’t break any records, averaging around 10Mbps, but they’re sufficient for most remote workers who have the occasional video call and normal internet usage. Again, it’s a tradeoff – you’re losing a bit of download speed, but you’re living on a tropical island with crystal-clear waters on your doorstep. Tough decision.
It’s still in its infancy regarding the nomad culture, yet there are already plenty of amazing coworking spaces. Rustic, colonial-style buildings to ultra-modern, sleek designs, and all very affordable.
With the ease of the application process, the warmth and hospitality of the people, and the available facilities, Mauritius should be a serious contender when compiling your top 5 list.
Mexico Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: USD $2,600 per month or have a bank balance of USD $43,000 for the last 12 months
Maximum duration: 60 months
Additional requirements: Proof of income, clean criminal record
How to apply: Visit your nearest Mexican Embassy or Consulate to arrange a visa application meeting.
Mexico has long been a popular destination for holidaymakers, backpackers, and hipsters, but it’s finally receiving the recognition it deserves as a world-class digital nomad hub.
Eye-wateringly beautiful beaches, food that can melt your soul, and a history richer than chocolate – it’ll be tough to stay focused on work!
One thing that makes it easier is the abundance of high-end coworking spaces in all the major cities. You’ll find no shortage of social events, networking opportunities, and collaboration spaces, adding untold value to your digital nomad visa.
The cost of living varies depending on where you settle, with Tulum, Isla Mujeres, and Cancun being the most expensive. Opt for a less touristic spot and you can expect to pay $2,500 per month for a comfortable life.
Internet speeds vary across the country, so you’ll want to stick to the bigger cities if you need a fast connection.
Montenegro Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: Not yet announced
Maximum duration: 24 months
Additional requirements: Not yet announced
How to apply: Not yet announced
Keep this on your radar, as it could be a future gem.
With over 100 beaches, a low cost of living (less than $1,000 per month), a reliable transportation system, and growing infrastructure, Montenegro will likely emerge as a Nomad hotspot, rivaling Italy, Croatia, and Albania for the top spot on the Adriatic coast.
Further details should emerge in early 2023, but you’ll likely need a valid passport, proof of employment, a clean criminal record, proof of income, proof of health insurance, and proof of accommodation.
Montserrat Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: Annual income of $70,000
Maximum duration: 12 months
Additional requirements: Proof of employment, proof of income, $500 visa application fee
How to apply: To begin your application visit the official Montserrat Remote Work stamp site.
If you’re unsure where Montserrat is, you should probably look it up now. It’s not one to be missed. Yet another Caribbean island embracing the nomadic lifestyle, it’s known for its rugged landscapes, steep valleys, tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and hot springs.
The island has a population of about 5,000 people, yet it’s attracting many digital nomads and remote workers because of its location, climate, low cost of living, and laid-back atmosphere.
Montserrat isn’t a major hotspot in the Caribbean, which means there are minimal tourists, especially compared to other destinations like Cuba or the Dominican Republic. However, the island is gaining popularity among digital nomads precisely for that reason. It’s a tropical paradise that’s accessible, affordable, and unspoiled.
Obviously, such an unspoiled land means you won’t find the same facilities and amenities you would in the other, more established Caribbean islands. There aren’t any coworking spaces to date, so you’ll likely be working from a hotel lobby, cafe, or restaurant. That’s not suitable for everyone, so keep that in mind when making your decision.
Expect to pay around $1,000 per month, although you can certainly spend more to live a more luxurious lifestyle in a hotel or resort.
Namibia Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: $2,000 per month
Maximum duration: 6 months
Additional requirements: A police background check, a motivation letter from your employer, $62 application fee
How to apply: To begin your application download and complete the application form.
Namibia has stunning natural beauty, with vast desert, grassland, and savannah offering some of the best opportunities to see roaming wildlife in their natural habitats. If you are a nature lover, Namibia’s definitely worth a look.
The capital, Windhoek, has the best facilities, including reasonably fast and reliable internet speeds. For networking opportunities, be sure to check out the coworking spaces that are popping up around the capital.
The average monthly spend comes in around $2,000, which is expensive considering the facilities available, but the major advantage of taking the Namibian nomad visa is the access it grants to the unparalleled natural beauty around you.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: $2,820 per month
Maximum duration: 12 months
Additional requirements: Proof of accommodation, proof of income
How to apply: To begin your application download and complete the application form.
Portugal is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, with sights such as the Sintra Mountains, the Douro Valley, and the Alentejo region. You’ve also got some of the most spectacular beaches, epic nightlife, and a rich history to explore.
Wrap all that up in a beautiful year-round climate and the future looks bright for digital nomads in Portugal.
As one of the most popular destinations for remote workers in the European Union, coworking spaces are abundant and of an excellent standard. There are also free Wi-Fi hotspots in most cities and tourist areas.
Aside from the nomad visa, Portugal also offers a D7 visa for people earning over $700 in passive income, usually from stocks or dividends.
The culture, food, positive attitude towards nomads, proactive stance regarding cryptocurrencies, and a reasonable cost of living (around $2,000 per month will keep a smile on your face), all combine to make Portugal one of Europe’s most attractive digital nomad destinations.
Romania Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: $3,300 per month
Maximum duration: 12 months
Additional requirements: Proof of employment, proof of funds, an apostilled or super-legalized document stating you’ve paid all taxes and committed no fraud.
How to apply: To begin your application, create an account on the Romanian eVisa platform.
Romania is one of Europe’s least visited countries, but also one of the most underrated destinations for digital nomads. It has plenty of cheap accommodation options, incredible internet speeds, and picturesque landscapes. You can stay up to one year with this visa, so you’ll have ample time to explore Romania’s beautiful mountains.
Cheap compared to most European countries, you can live comfortably on $1,500 per month. For that, you get delicious food, hundreds of castles, and a beautiful climate.
So, what’s the catch? The application process involves several hoops to leap through, including having all documents officially translated into Romanian. The super-legalized tax document can also be difficult to attain, as it needs to come from specific Government institutions specified by the Romanian authorities.
South Africa Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: Not yet announced
Maximum duration: Still to be confirmed
Additional requirements: Still to be confirmed
How to apply: Still to be confirmed
South Africa’s digital nomad visa is still to be confirmed, but we expect it to be popular when it launches.
With an incredible landscape featuring savannah, deserts, jaw-dropping beaches, and incredible water sports opportunities, South Africa is already a huge tourist destination.
Expect the standard requirements, including a valid passport, proof of employment, a clean criminal record, proof of income, proof of health insurance, and proof of accommodation.
Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: €2,334 per month
Maximum duration: 5 years
Additional requirements: Proof of income, proof of employment, clean criminal record, full health insurance,
How to apply: Contact your nearest Spanish embassy to schedule a visa appointment
Spain’s highly-anticipated Digital Nomad Visa finally launched in January 2023. One of the most iconic destinations in Europe, Spain needs no introduction.
While Spain isn’t the cheapest country in the world, the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Spanish culture, gorge on tapas, and soak in the sunshine will undoubtedly make Spain an unmissable addition to the nomadic circuit.
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: Not yet announced
Maximum duration: Still to be confirmed
Additional requirements: Still to be confirmed
How to apply: Still to be confirmed
The Sri Lankan authorities announced their nomad visa will launch soon, but as yet it’s not live.
With an average cost of living coming in under $1,500 per month, this could be another visa that flies off the shelves upon release.
The relaxed, laid-back lifestyle, popular with yogis and meditation lovers, will certainly attract a wave of chilled-out nomads seeking to escape the madness of the big city and connect with nature and spirituality while they work.
Thailand Digital Nomad Visa
Financial requirements: Either earning $80,000 for the last 2 years, hold $1 million in assets, are retired with $80,000 income, or invest $500,000 in Thailand
Maximum duration: 120 months
Additional requirements: Proof of employment, proof of health insurance
How to apply: To begin your application, complete the online form at the official Thailand visa website.
Thailand has long been a staple on the backpacker trail, attracting millions of wanderers, hipsters, and sandal-wearing nomads. With the release of their nomad visa, it seems they want to clean up their image a little to attract more professional remote workers.
The entry requirements will probably exclude most beginner nomads and entrepreneurs, in favor of bringing in foreign wealth and investments. That being said, it likely won’t crush the nomad scene. People will still flock to the shores, continue using the standard 60-day tourist visas, and resetting it with trips to Laos, Cambodia, or Vietnam.
As a historically popular destination for nomads and entrepreneurs, mainly because of its affordability, natural beauty, and hospitality, there’s already a well-established scene. Coworking spaces are everywhere, accommodation is cheap, and you’ve got endless activities to keep you entertained when not working.
$2,000 will allow you to live well, although it’s possible to raise or lower that budget to suit your needs.
A note on tax for digital nomad visas
“Will I have to pay income tax for _______’s digital nomad visa program?”
You may have noticed we didn’t discuss tax rates, benefits, or implications associated with any of these digital nomad visas. That’s because they fluctuate depending on the current and local economic situation. Your country of residence and local tax laws also play a role.
It’s best to check the exact tax status, plus any benefits and reductions before applying to ensure you’re paying the correct amount, to the correct authorities, and avoiding any unnecessary bills or headaches later down the line.
If in doubt, consult a tax specialist.
Actually, we recommend that all digital nomads consult a tax specialist. In many cases, you can greatly reduce your tax liability by living in a foreign country or having a company registered abroad.
